Heritage is the legacy that we receive from the past, that we experience in the present and that we will pass on to future generations. Through the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, UNESCO established that certain places on Earth have “exceptional universal value,” belong to the shared heritage of humanity and are an irreplaceable source of life and inspiration.

However, cultural heritage is not limited to monuments and collections of objects. It also includes lived expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants. These include oral traditions, performing arts, social manners, rituals, celebrations, practices and knowledge and techniques related to traditional handcrafts. Despite its fragility, intangible cultural heritage or living heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity.

OREALC/UNESCO Santiago promotes educational practices to protect and safeguard cultural heritage through technical assistance provided to interested stakeholders and member states in the development of theoretical and practical knowledge for sustainable development. As a contribution to the implementation of UNESCO cultural conventions and the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we are undertaking initiatives to strengthen national and local capacities for managing historic areas, heritage sites, monuments, living heritage and cultural landscapes. Our office is holding events and training activities for professionals and social actors involved in culture. We also support the formulation of cultural heritage management plans that consider the area of education.